Standardization
Standardization
refers to methods used in gathering and treating
subjects for a specific study.
In order to compare the results of one group
to the results of a second group, we must assure
that each group receives the same opportunities to
succeed. Standardized
tests, for instance, painstakingly assure that each
student receives the same questions in the same
order and is given the same amount of time, the same
resources, and the same type of testing environment.
Without standardization, we could never
adequately compare groups.
For
example, imagine that one group of students was
given a particular test and allowed four hours to
complete it in a quiet and well lit room.
A second group was given the same test but
only allowed 30 minutes to complete it while sitting
in a busy school lunchroom full of laughing and
talking children.
If group 1 scored higher than group 2 could
we truly say that they did better?
The answer is obviously no.
To make sure we can compare results, we must
make everything equal between the two or more
groups. Only
then could we say that group 1 performed better than
group 2.
Standardization
of the research methods is often a lengthy process.
The same directions must be read to each
student, the same questions must be given, and the
same amount of time must be assured.
All of these factors must be decided before
the first subject can be tested.
While standardization refers mainly to the
testing situation itself, these principles of
sameness involve the selection of subjects as
well.
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